Self-honing razor technique

I started shaving with one razor despite having two. I have since acquired many great razors. As I acquired these razors I felt my original dulling so I set it aside. After I got a few ready I would send them off to be honed.
The other day I grabbed my old razor, just to see if it was really dull. It pulled and confirmed my suspicions. Set it aside for a little longer.
I just picked up this razor last night. Don't ask me why. It shaved just fine. Not omg, but not as dull as I remember.
Is it possible that my technique got worse before it got better?

Do you store it under a pyramid?:)

In all seriousness, I'd bet that your technique improved. I for one don't have any self-honing razors.... though that would be pretty cool.

I thought it was technique, but for quite a while it shaved me great. I didn't think my technique could have gotten worse mind you thi experience has been over a few months.

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Originally Posted by deighaingeal

It shaved just fine. Not omg, but not as dull as I remember.
Is it possible that my technique got worse before it got better?

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Or maybe your prep/lather varied from shave to shave.

That would make sense as since then I have discovered better soaps and creams.

It must have been those lunar cycles.

Could it be that your stropping may have improved ?

My problem with these theories is that I continued shaving with other razors in the mean time. Wouldn't I notice a change in all razors? It is also strange that it got worse first.

Knowing it was dull you didn't happen to give a bit more stropping or try a little harder to do it just right?

I had some of that myself, in most ways it was prep(I guessed) but then going Cold all that extra prep I did or didnt do(thus sometimes edge seemed duller butthe water was most often hot) doesnt matter anymore.

Sounds like your Technique got better. It happens, and we hardly notice it. I started shaving Cold some months ago, and without trying and keeping tabs, I've noticed my Technique has soared lately.

Has anyone else had their technique get worse first though? I don't really know what could have caused that.
It could have also been hone elves!

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Originally Posted by deighaingeal

Has anyone else had their technique get worse first though? I don't really know what could have caused that.
It could have also been hone elves!

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Yup. I've had my technique with both straights and DE's get worse, then better, then worse, then better...and on like that until it finally clicked (still working on the straights).

I dunno if that explains what happened with the razor, though...

Maybe the "Hone Fairy" sneaked into your house and honed your razor. LOL!!

Your razor healed itself. The edge of a razor should actually be viewed as a series of tiny little teeth. These teeth are pushed away from alignment when you shave producing a blade that feels like it is beginning to dull. However, after a period of a day or two they actually realign themselves and the blade feels like it sharpened itself because...it actually has!

Each shave pushes the teeth farther apart until eventually the blade is no longer able to properly realign itself. That is when a properly applied strop pushes the teeth back into alignment, and presto chango the blade is sharp again.

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Originally Posted by Bladerunner

Your razor healed itself. The edge of a razor should actually be viewed as a series of tiny little teeth. These teeth are pushed away from alignment when you shave producing a blade that feels like it is beginning to dull. However, after a period of a day or two they actually realign themselves and the blade feels like it sharpened itself because...it actually has!

Each shave pushes the teeth farther apart until eventually the blade is no longer able to properly realign itself. That is when a properly applied strop pushes the teeth back into alignment, and presto chango the blade is sharp again.

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I'm not sure I agree with this... Is it really true?
What forces are acting on the razor that cause this to happen?
I think Robert Williams has even shown (or at least explained why) that "teeth" on a razor are a bit of a fallacy.
I'll go see if I can find that particular thread.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by deighaingeal

I started shaving with one razor despite having two. I have since acquired many great razors. As I acquired these razors I felt my original dulling so I set it aside. After I got a few ready I would send them off to be honed.
The other day I grabbed my old razor, just to see if it was really dull. It pulled and confirmed my suspicions. Set it aside for a little longer.
I just picked up this razor last night. Don't ask me why. It shaved just fine. Not omg, but not as dull as I remember.
Is it possible that my technique got worse before it got better?

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I'm wondering if your stropping technique got "better"
Did you strop the razor at some point ?

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Originally Posted by onimaru55

I'm wondering if your stropping technique got "better"
Did you strop the razor at some point ?

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I was thinking either stropping or shaving technique. I do strop before each shave.

Well then, we can't thank the elves or the "resting theory " :)

I really want it to be elves they are fun to catch and they taste like candy!:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by onimaru55

I'm wondering if your stropping technique got "better"

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This would be the best assumption.

Newbs shouldn't underestimate the power of stropping. If your razor seems dull try a good stropping session first before hitting the hones. With proper stropping technique you may be pleasantly surprised.